Ill. Woman on Probation for House Fire

A Clinton, Ill. woman was placed on probation for allegedly setting her
house on fire to collect $2,600 from her insurance company, according to the Associated Press.

Tracy Smith received a five-year prison sentence for one count of felony insurance fraud, but the judge suspended the term and placed her on probation. Smith was also ordered to pay restitution to American Family Insurance.

She initially faced 10 counts of insurance fraud for the July 1999 fire.
Charges were reduced last month when she pleaded guilty to one felony count. Court records indicate Smith set fire to her home, then reportedly told her insurance agent she didn’t know what caused the fire.

Smith reportedly collected expenses from the company, but court records show her claim was eventually turned down because of false statements.